My advice to prospective students is to get involved with societies and don’t pigeonhole yourself into one thing. These opportunities are great for building your CV and securing new experiences. Roles like Social or Media Secretary can teach you marketing skills or help to develop your leadership abilities.
When it comes to internships, don’t just scroll through job sites. Be proactive. I researched companies working in LUInc, approached them directly, and showcased what I could do. I started with free work, which eventually led to paid opportunities. Also, don’t overlook smaller businesses when searching for roles, often it’s easier to reach the decision makers for hiring in smaller organisations, and there are good opportunities to learn lots of different skills.
Loughborough has been great for building my confidence and employability. My time here has been essential in setting me up for graduate opportunities and teaching me valuable life lessons. I’ve been offered multiple roles by clients I worked with during my Year in Enterprise, so it’s great to have options to explore.
For me, ‘Progress with Purpose’ is about aligning your work with your values. Some of my projects, like working with the Labour Party, allowed me to support causes I believe in. I also worked with a charity that educates inner-city kids about the importance of sustainability. That was unpaid work, but it felt meaningful and gave me a chance to contribute to something I’m passionate about. Purpose isn’t just about maximising your earnings; it’s about finding the ways in which you can make a difference.